SD2886. John Bright to Lady Hobart

As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 32, 360 (in part).

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Mar 21. 67

Dear Lady Hobart,

I send you a copy of the verses on or to the “Cuckoo” which we were speaking of last evening. It is from the American edition—the word most which I have marked is not, I think in the original editions, & in the last line of all I prefer the word “companion” for the word “attendants.” I admire the verses exceedingly. To enjoy them thoroughly, they require to be read more than once or twice, & each verse to be examined for its own peculiar beauty.

I thank you for a most pleasant eveng at your house,— & am

vry sincerely yours

John Bright.

The Lady Hobart

6 Eaton Place South

May I ask you to send the copy marked for him to Mr Browning– I do not know his address? Pray excuse the trouble I am giving you.

JB.

To the Cuckoo

Hail, beauteous stranger of the grove!

Thou messenger of Spring!

Now heaven repairs thy rural seat,

And woods thy welcome sing.

Soon as the daisy decks the green,

Thy certain voice we hear.

Hast thou a star to guide thy path,

Or mark the rolling year?

Delightful visitant! with thee

I hail the time of flowers,

And hear the sound of music sweet

From birds among the bowers.

The schoolboy, wandering through the wood

To pluck the primrose gay,

Starts, thy most curious voice to hear,

And imitates thy lay.

What time the pea puts on the bloom,

Then fliest thy vocal vale,

An annual guest in other lands,

Another spring to hail.

Sweet bird! thy bower is ever green,

Thy sky is ever clear;

Thou hast no sorrow in thy song,

No Winter in thy year!

Oh, could I fly, I’d fly with thee!

We’d make with joyful wing,

Our annual visit o’er the globe,

Companions of the Spring.

John Logan

1748–1788

Publication: None traced.

Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.

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